Photo credit: movieweb.com
In the wake of Pope Francis’s recent passing, interest in the film Conclave has surged dramatically. Directed by Edward Berger, the 2024 movie delves into the intricate procedures involved in electing a new Pope, a process the Catholic Church is soon expected to initiate. Following the death of the Pontiff, who was 88 years old, viewership for the film increased by 283%, amassing nearly 7 million minutes watched globally, according to analytics company Luminate. Additionally, Netflix’s 2019 feature, The Two Popes, experienced a staggering 417% rise in its viewership, jumping from 290,000 minutes to 1.5 million.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new leader, the increasing popularity of a film that illuminates this process is hardly surprising. With public fascination in the workings of the conclave, viewers are eager to gain insights into the events that transpire behind closed doors.
Based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, Conclave features a standout cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, and John Lithgow. The film garnered eight Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. With the real-life conclave approaching, interest in the film is expected to rise further. While it was initially available on Peacock, the film can now be streamed on Prime Video as of April 22.
‘Conclave’ Gives a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Pontiff Elections in the Roman Catholic Church
4 / 5
Release Date
October 25, 2024
Runtime
120 Minutes
Director
Edward Berger
Read Our Review
Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave has garnered international acclaim for its exploration of the intricate process through which church leaders convene at the Sistine Chapel to choose the next Pope, often referred to as the Bishop of Rome.
During the conclave, members of the College of Cardinals, out of a total of 252, with only 135 having voting rights, are confined to a room until they can achieve a 2/3 majority on the new Pope. Their deliberations are cloaked in secrecy, with the public only receiving updates through smoke signals—black smoke denotes that no decision has been reached, while white smoke signals the election of a new Pope.
A 900-year-old Prophecy of the Popes, attributed to Saint Malachy, adds a layer of intrigue surrounding the papal election. The prophecy purports to detail the identities of future popes, culminating in a final Pope who would witness the fall of Rome. However, its cryptic nature may not significantly influence the Cardinals’ decision-making.
Conclave, featuring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, offers a dramatized yet engaging glimpse into this significant religious tradition. Cardinal Lawrence is confronted with the monumental task of leading the election, but he finds himself ensnared in conspiracies that threaten the Church’s integrity. The film intricately examines the intersection of political ambition and religion, revealing how the desires for power among certain cardinals can jeopardize the legacy of Catholicism. With its stellar cast and Berger’s direction, the film brings to life Harris’s novel while addressing relatable themes of faith and doubt that resonate deeply with audiences today.
Where To Stream ‘Conclave’ Following Pope Francis’ Death
As the world reels from the passing of Pope Francis, who succumbed to a stroke, the actual conclave is anticipated to convene within the next 15 to 20 days. In the interim, Conclave is streaming on Prime Video, available at no extra cost for members. Non-members can access a 30-day free trial, allowing them to watch Conclave and explore other titles on the platform without obligation.
For those preferring to rent, the film is also available on Prime Video for $5.99, providing flexibility without the need for a subscription. Originally broadcast on Peacock, it is no longer accessible on that service, making Prime Video the exclusive streaming platform for this acclaimed film.
Source
movieweb.com